FAQ
General Questions
What is Political Literacy?
According to McManus and Taylor (2009), political literacy is “not simply concerned with describing or even analysing political institutions and government but is about being able to have an input and being able to exercise rights and responsibilities.” In simple words, political literacy is a set of values, knowledge and skills that help citizens stay informed and engage with politics and government. Imagine how empowering that’d be!
What is an electoral roll?
The ECI (Election Commission of India) identifies as “an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering election processes in India.”The electoral roll is prepared and periodically revised by the ECI, which oversees the registration of eligible voters. The electoral roll thus consists of individuals who have enrolled themselves to vote for particular elections in a particular jurisdiction.
What is an EPIC?
EPIC stands for Election Photo Identity Card, which is synonymous with a Voter’s ID. It is crucial in polling exercises that have been issued by the Election Commission of India to identify eligible voters on the electoral roll. The EPIC number is ssentially a ten-digit number assigned to individuals by the ECI.
How can I register myself as a Voter?
Any Indian citizen over 18 is eligible to register for a voter ID!
- Fill out Form 6/6A for new registration.
- Upload required documents (Aadhar, proof of age/residence).
- Track your application status on the portal after application.
What are some important ECI forms?
- Form 6: New voter registration
- Form 6A: NRI voter registration
- Form 8: Correction of Voter Details
What are the identifications necessary for voting?
As prescribed by the ECI, voters must contain any of the following recognised forms of identity verification for polling as the Photo Voter Slip does not hold power alone as an identity proof for voting. The list includes:
- EPIC (Voter ID card)
- Passport
- Driving Licence
- Service Identity Cards with issued to employees by Central/State Govt./PSUs/Public Limited Companies
- Passbooks with photograph issued by Bank/Post Office
- PAN Card
- Smart Card issued by RGI under NPR
- MNREGA Job Card (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee)
- Health Insurance Smart Card issued under the scheme of the Ministry of Labour
- Pension document with photograph
- Official identity cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs
- Aadhaar Card
How do you check your voter registration status?
Your name must appear in the electoral roll or the voter list to be able to vote. You can check for your voter registration status at https://electoralsearch.eci.gov.in after completing the application. The alternative means to obtain information on your voter registration status include:
How do we know the candidates contesting for elections?
It is important to cast an informed vote by conducting a background check on the qualifications of the candidates and examining them for any traces of past or ongoing criminal records or antecedents. The following portals consist the necessary data:
- Candidate Affidavit Portal
- Voter Helpline App (Available on Android and iOS)
- Know Your Candidate application
Where do we vote?
You must locate your polling booth to cast your vote. Locate your polling booth on:
- ECI website: https://electoralsearch.eci.gov.in
- App: Voter Helpline App (Available on Android and iOS)
- Voter Helpline Number: 1950
(Add STD code before dialling or SMS your EPIC number to 1950)
Who is eligible to volunteer on the Democracy Crew?
There is no qualification or age limit to get involved as a citizen! With the guidance provided on some basics of India’s electoral landscape (in case you needed it), all you need is the willingness to talk to people and make them understand how and why to vote.
Can I address my local issues via your platform?
Absolutely! Politics is in everyday life. Suppose you have an eye for the civic or social issues you encounter daily- be it the roads, the municipality or even the more prominent arguments on politics in the nation, feel free to share videos, photos or even your blogs with us!
Informed Citizen’s Repository
- Election & Voter Registration
- Government Accountability & RTI
- Laws & Citizen Rights
- Budget & Government Spending
- Government Services & Welfare
- Civic Participation & Petitions
- Environmental & Urban Governance
- Crime & Public Safety
- Education & Awareness
National Voters Service Portal (NVSP)
Register to vote, check voter ID details, and apply for corrections.
Website Link: www.nvsp.in
Election Commission of India (ECI)
Official election updates, notifications, results, and electoral laws.
Website Link: www.eci.gov.in
Voter Helpline App (ECI)
Mobile app for voter registration, complaints, and election updates.
Website Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eci.citizen&hl=en_IN
MyNeta (Association for Democratic Reforms)
Check criminal records, assets, and backgrounds of political candidates.
Website Link: www.myneta.info
State Election Commissions
Portal for state-level election details and local body elections.
Website Link: Check State Portals
Right to Information (RTI) Portal
File RTI applications to seek government transparency.
Website Link: www.rtionline.gov.in
Public Grievance Portal (CPGRAMS)
Lodge complaints against government offices and track resolutions.
Website Link: www.pgportal.gov.in
Lokpal and Lokayuktas
Report corruption cases against public officials.
Website Link: www.lokpal.gov.in
Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)
Audit reports on government spending and misuse of public funds.
Website Link: www.cag.gov.in
Indian Parliament Digital Library
Access parliamentary debates, bills, and reports.
Website Link: www.parliamentlibraryindia.nic.in
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
File complaints on human rights violations.
Website Link: www.nhrc.nic.in
National Consumer Helpline
File consumer complaints against fraud or unfair practices.
Website Link: www.consumerhelpline.gov.in
Ministry of Law & Justice
Information on laws, amendments, and legal rights.
Website Link: www.lawmin.gov.in
Legal Aid Services (NALSA)
Free legal aid and support for citizens in need.
Website Link: www.nalsa.gov.in
Income Tax Portal
File income tax returns, track refunds, and grievances.
Website Link: www.incometax.gov.in
Union Budget Portal
Check annual government budgets and financial allocations.
Website Link: www.indiabudget.gov.in
PRS Legislative Research
Analysis of government policies, bills, and parliamentary updates.
Website Link: www.prsindia.org
Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
Reports on inflation, banking regulations, and economic policies.
Website Link: www.rbi.org.in
State Finance Commissions
Track state budget allocations and spending.
Website Link: www.fincomindia.nic.in
Government eMarketplace (GeM)
Track government procurement and contracts awarded.
Website Link: www.gem.gov.in
DigiLocker
Store and access digital copies of Aadhaar, voter ID, and licenses.
Website Link: www.digilocker.gov.in
UMANG App
Access various government services via mobile app.
Website Link: www.umang.gov.in
National Scholarship Portal
Apply for government scholarships for students.
Website Link: www.scholarships.gov.in
Ayushman Bharat (Health Scheme)
Check eligibility for free medical treatment under Ayushman Bharat.
Website Link: www.pmjay.gov.in
Jan Dhan Yojana
Financial inclusion program details and benefits.
Website Link: www.pmjdy.gov.in
Change.org
Start and sign petitions to drive social change.
Website Link: www.change.org
Local Government Websites
File complaints and track local civic issues.
Website Link: Find Your Municipality
Indian Government Social Media
Track government policy updates and announcements.
Website Link: www.mygov.in
Election Commission Complaint System
Report election fraud, malpractice, and violations.
Website Link: https://www.eci.gov.in/
RTI India
Community forum discussing RTI cases and government transparency.
Website Link: https://righttoinformation.wiki/
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
Check air and water quality reports.
Website Link: www.cpcb.nic.in
Swachh Bharat Urban
Report cleanliness issues in your locality.
Website Link: www.swachhbharaturban.gov.in
National Green Tribunal (NGT)
File complaints against environmental violations.
Website Link: www.greentribunal.gov.in
Smart Cities Mission
Track development projects in 100+ smart cities.
Website Link: www.smartcities.gov.in
Ministry of Environment
Get updates on climate policies and sustainability projects.
Website Link: www.moef.gov.in
National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
Report cyber crimes like fraud, harassment, and hacking.
Website Link: www.cybercrime.gov.in
National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)
Track crime statistics and law enforcement data.
Website Link: www.ncrb.gov.in
FIR Filing Portal
Register and track FIRs online in various states.
Website Link: www.ncrb.gov.in
Traffic Police Portals
Check and pay traffic fines in various states.
Website Link: Find Your City’s Portal
Women’s Safety Helpline
Report harassment and seek legal assistance.
Website Link: www.ncw.nic.in
National Digital Library of India
Free access to books, academic papers, and courses.
Website Link: www.ndl.gov.in
ePathshala
Government’s free online education platform.
Website Link: www.epathshala.nic.in
Bharat Skills
Skill development courses for employability.
Website Link: www.bharatskills.gov.in
Election Literacy Clubs (ELC)
Student participation in democracy education.
Website Link: www.ecisveep.nic.in
UNESCO Democracy Education
Global resources on democracy and governance.
Website Link: www.unesco.org
